Delta Police Shooting Sparks Outrage as Unarmed Man Allegedly Shot Over Drug Suspicion

Tension is rising in Delta State after police officers allegedly shot an unarmed civilian in Okudjere-Ovu community, deepening concerns over the use of force by security operatives.

The incident, which happened on Thursday evening, involved policemen from the Orerokpe Division in Okpe Local Government Area. According to eyewitness reports, the victim was stopped on suspicion of possessing hard drugs before being shot in the right leg.

The development comes at a sensitive time, as many Nigerians are still reeling from the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi — a case that has already intensified scrutiny of police actions across the state.

Residents say the encounter escalated rapidly. Officers, reportedly working alongside anti-cult operatives, confronted the man before opening fire. Footage from the scene shows bystanders scrambling to assist the injured victim, while the officers allegedly fled to avoid a possible backlash from angry youths.

Civil rights advocates have strongly condemned the incident. The Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancements (ISRCA), widely known as “No Justice, No Peace,” described the shooting as alarming and unacceptable.

In a statement, the group warned that such actions undermine public safety and called on the Nigeria Police Force and the state government to act decisively. Its National Coordinator, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, stressed that law enforcement officers are duty-bound to protect lives, not endanger them.

The group also urged the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, to launch an immediate investigation and identify the officers involved, describing the conduct as “unfortunate and unprofessional.”

As of the time of reporting, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, had not responded to enquiries seeking official confirmation or clarification.

With no official statement yet and public anger growing, the incident adds to mounting pressure on authorities to demonstrate accountability and rebuild trust in policing.